Austin Lee Hornbeck entered this world on December 25th 1990, weighing only 1lb and 7oz, and measuring 12 inches long.

He passed away unexpectedly at his home on July 4th 2026. Austin was a miracle and a true blessing to his family from the very beginning. Austin was an avid dinosaur lover. As he grew, his love for dinosaurs grew into a love for all things history. Austin graduated from Ball State University with a bachelor's degree in History, and a minor in Asian studies.

Austin also had an immense passion for writing and storytelling. He became a published author with one digital and one physical book already released. Austin's biggest passion, however, was music. He spent much of his free time enjoying heavy metal concerts and music festivals all over the United States. Through this, Austin made long lasting friendships and connections with so many people.

Austin is survived by his mother and father Bea and Clint Hornbeck, his brother Dallas Hornbeck, his sister Taylor Smith (Tyler Smtih), multiple Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and lifelong friends.

There will be a Celebration of Life held for Austin on Saturday, August 1st at the Prairie Creek Resiviour Community Building, located at 6400 South County Road 575 E in Selma, IN. Services will start at 2pm. The family asks that if you have a metal/rock band tee, that you wear one to remember Austin and his biggest passion, or to just come as you are.